Representative Kim Thatcher: Thoughts on Special Session, cuts
State Representative Kim Thatcher,
This has been a busy summer for state agencies -- trying to figure out how to cut 9% from their budgets under orders from the Governor to fill a nearly $600 million hole in the current state budget. These agencies are also concerned about a nearly $3 billion shortfall projected for the next budget cycle. Something’s got to give.
As you may recall in my last newsletter we talked about the Governor's across-the-board reductions to state programs. Legislative leaders refused to call a special session to avoid cuts in critical programs so now we’re left with political posturing. Here’s just the first of many examples to come. The Department of Human Services sent out letters to thousands of seniors and people with disabilities, who rely on caregivers for help with everything from grocery shopping to bathing, telling them they will no longer get services. Many, instead would have to go into more expensive state-subsidized facilities. Then the Legislative Leadership calls the Emergency Board into session to restore some of these cuts for a few months – at least until, you guessed it, after the November election is over.
Continue reading "Representative Kim Thatcher: Thoughts on Special Session, cuts"
This has been a busy summer for state agencies -- trying to figure out how to cut 9% from their budgets under orders from the Governor to fill a nearly $600 million hole in the current state budget. These agencies are also concerned about a nearly $3 billion shortfall projected for the next budget cycle. Something’s got to give.
As you may recall in my last newsletter we talked about the Governor's across-the-board reductions to state programs. Legislative leaders refused to call a special session to avoid cuts in critical programs so now we’re left with political posturing. Here’s just the first of many examples to come. The Department of Human Services sent out letters to thousands of seniors and people with disabilities, who rely on caregivers for help with everything from grocery shopping to bathing, telling them they will no longer get services. Many, instead would have to go into more expensive state-subsidized facilities. Then the Legislative Leadership calls the Emergency Board into session to restore some of these cuts for a few months – at least until, you guessed it, after the November election is over.
Continue reading "Representative Kim Thatcher: Thoughts on Special Session, cuts"
RedState Interview: Congressional candidate Scott Bruun
Below is Red State.com interview with Rep. Scott Bruun who is an Oregon Republican candidate for Congress.
Paying a toll on a freeway we already own
I know the idea sounds kind of absurd, and in fact it is absurd. You’ve already paid for Interstate 5. You pay for it every time you drive up to the gas pumps and diesel pumps.
That freeway is already paid for. Yet, Tim Leavitt, the Mayor of Vancouver, a man I voted for, is now talking about what they call a “corridor toll”.
They can’t stomach the idea of just putting tolls on the I-205 and I-5 bridges. Now they want to charge everyone who wants to drive on the freeways. The problem is the people who drive on those freeways shouldn’t have to pay a toll. They’d be renting space on a freeway they already own and that’s just not right.
Continue reading "Paying a toll on a freeway we already own"
That freeway is already paid for. Yet, Tim Leavitt, the Mayor of Vancouver, a man I voted for, is now talking about what they call a “corridor toll”.
They can’t stomach the idea of just putting tolls on the I-205 and I-5 bridges. Now they want to charge everyone who wants to drive on the freeways. The problem is the people who drive on those freeways shouldn’t have to pay a toll. They’d be renting space on a freeway they already own and that’s just not right.
Continue reading "Paying a toll on a freeway we already own"
2010 Lazy Fair Sunday August 1th
2010 Lazy Fair!
The annual free-market celelbration B.B.Q. in the Park.
Sun., Aug. 1th
11:00am - 4:00pm
Eagle Fern Park
(Eagle Fern Park is near Estacada)
Sponsored by:
Executive Club
Cascade Policy Institute
Taxpayer Association of Oregon
.
The most fun political event of the year!
.
.
Continue reading "2010 Lazy Fair Sunday August 1th"
The annual free-market celelbration B.B.Q. in the Park.
Sun., Aug. 1th
11:00am - 4:00pm
Eagle Fern Park
(Eagle Fern Park is near Estacada)
Sponsored by:
Executive Club
Cascade Policy Institute
Taxpayer Association of Oregon
.
The most fun political event of the year!
.
.
Continue reading "2010 Lazy Fair Sunday August 1th"
Governor Poll: Dudley at 47%, Kitzhaber 44%
Latest Rassmussen poll:
Chris Dudley earning 47%
John Kitzhaber’s 44%.
Other 5%
Undecided 4%
Continued good news for Dudley
Chris Dudley earning 47%
John Kitzhaber’s 44%.
Other 5%
Undecided 4%
Continued good news for Dudley
The Reality of Oregon’s Budget Crises: Cause and Cure
You can’t make an omellete without breaking eggs
The Oregonian began a self-described “occasional series” regarding Oregon’s state budget deficit. The Oregonian ignored this problem for two decades but now feels compelled to write in support of Gov. Kulongoski who, having contributed significantly to the problem, has now on the eleventh hour of the three hundred sixty-fifth day “discovered” that things just cannot continue this way – what a guy.
However, you don’t need an “occasional series” to discover either the cause of the problem or the solution.
Continue reading "The Reality of Oregon’s Budget Crises: Cause and Cure"
State Treasurer candidate Sen. Telfer lays out vision
Senator Chris Telfer, Candidate for Oregon Treasurer on her plans for reform
Candidate Profile Series,
With Oregon’s debt and deficits looming large, financial solutions and experience are in high demand. Chris Telfer, an entrepreneur, Certified Public Accountant, former Bend Councilwoman, and current State Senator, thinks she has both. She’s running for State Treasurer because she wants to use her expertise to help solve Oregon’s financial problems through flexible long term planning, and encouraging instate bond investment. She also believes financial transparency would increase accountability and proper financial management.
According to the State Treasurer website, the treasurer, “serves as the chief financial officer for the State and is responsible for the prudent financial management of billions of taxpayer dollars.” Senator Chris Telfer’s vision for the office of Treasurer is one word: transparency. The Treasurer is supposed to act as the Chief Financial Officer for the entire state, but that is not something that is being done. “I would organize one repository in the state to which all the units of governments, the agencies, report, and make that information available online all in the same place. Right now agencies report in different formats and not comprehensively, so no one really knows what the financial status of the state is on any given day. I once asked the Legislative Fiscal Office how the state was doing financially that day, and they said, 'We don’t really know—if there were a problem presumably we would hear it from an agency.'" Senator Telfer wants what she calls “true fiscal oversight” for the state. She says the problem with the treasury is that it doesn’t do cash flow analysis and thus doesn’t have any input in the budgetary process.
Continue reading "State Treasurer candidate Sen. Telfer lays out vision"
Candidate Profile Series,
With Oregon’s debt and deficits looming large, financial solutions and experience are in high demand. Chris Telfer, an entrepreneur, Certified Public Accountant, former Bend Councilwoman, and current State Senator, thinks she has both. She’s running for State Treasurer because she wants to use her expertise to help solve Oregon’s financial problems through flexible long term planning, and encouraging instate bond investment. She also believes financial transparency would increase accountability and proper financial management.
According to the State Treasurer website, the treasurer, “serves as the chief financial officer for the State and is responsible for the prudent financial management of billions of taxpayer dollars.” Senator Chris Telfer’s vision for the office of Treasurer is one word: transparency. The Treasurer is supposed to act as the Chief Financial Officer for the entire state, but that is not something that is being done. “I would organize one repository in the state to which all the units of governments, the agencies, report, and make that information available online all in the same place. Right now agencies report in different formats and not comprehensively, so no one really knows what the financial status of the state is on any given day. I once asked the Legislative Fiscal Office how the state was doing financially that day, and they said, 'We don’t really know—if there were a problem presumably we would hear it from an agency.'" Senator Telfer wants what she calls “true fiscal oversight” for the state. She says the problem with the treasury is that it doesn’t do cash flow analysis and thus doesn’t have any input in the budgetary process.
Continue reading "State Treasurer candidate Sen. Telfer lays out vision"
Children Take Backseat to Union Dues
By Olivia Wolcott
This summer, education funding and program cuts have had parents, teachers and voters clamoring for more money to pour into Oregon’s struggling public education system. The Oregon Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, claims that school budget cuts show voters and politicians don’t understand that educational reform and innovation come at a high price. However, the OEA has steadfastly opposed the educational innovation of cost-saving virtual charter schools. In fact, the union has called the crippling regulation of these online schools its “top priority.”
Virtual public charter schools offer stable and successful education options to children who best thrive away from a traditional public school environment, or whose rural location gives them few educational options. But they also threaten union power, since their teachers are not required to become union members.
Continue reading "Children Take Backseat to Union Dues"
This summer, education funding and program cuts have had parents, teachers and voters clamoring for more money to pour into Oregon’s struggling public education system. The Oregon Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, claims that school budget cuts show voters and politicians don’t understand that educational reform and innovation come at a high price. However, the OEA has steadfastly opposed the educational innovation of cost-saving virtual charter schools. In fact, the union has called the crippling regulation of these online schools its “top priority.”
Virtual public charter schools offer stable and successful education options to children who best thrive away from a traditional public school environment, or whose rural location gives them few educational options. But they also threaten union power, since their teachers are not required to become union members.
Continue reading "Children Take Backseat to Union Dues"
Congressman Walden renews push for ‘Read the Bill’ law
Taxpayers want lawmakers to understand legislation before voting on it
By Congressman Greg Walden
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the day Gallup reported that the American people’s confidence in Congress has fallen to a record low, House Republicans launched a renewed push to highlight and enact “read the bill” reforms demanded by the American people.“Everywhere I go, taxpayers want to know why they don’t give Congress and the public enough time to read and understand these enormously costly bills, ” U.S. Rep. Greg Walden said. “This is a no-brainer. It’s time to let the sun shine in and change how the House operates.” House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) has posted on America Speaking Out an idea that Rep. Walden a bipartisan coalition of members have been promoting to prohibit the House from considering any bill that has not been publicly available via the Internet for three days. This is the first idea Leader Boehner has posted on America Speaking Out, which was launched by House Republicans in May to engage the American people in building a more responsive government and a better country.
Continue reading "Congressman Walden renews push for ‘Read the Bill’ law"
By Congressman Greg Walden
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the day Gallup reported that the American people’s confidence in Congress has fallen to a record low, House Republicans launched a renewed push to highlight and enact “read the bill” reforms demanded by the American people.“Everywhere I go, taxpayers want to know why they don’t give Congress and the public enough time to read and understand these enormously costly bills, ” U.S. Rep. Greg Walden said. “This is a no-brainer. It’s time to let the sun shine in and change how the House operates.” House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) has posted on America Speaking Out an idea that Rep. Walden a bipartisan coalition of members have been promoting to prohibit the House from considering any bill that has not been publicly available via the Internet for three days. This is the first idea Leader Boehner has posted on America Speaking Out, which was launched by House Republicans in May to engage the American people in building a more responsive government and a better country.
Continue reading "Congressman Walden renews push for ‘Read the Bill’ law"
How Portland is losing its way
By Dave Lister
The framers of Portland's city charter had a pretty clear idea of what the city was supposed to do. They wanted it to provide police, fire, sewer and water services as well as streets and parks. They needed to provide those services in order for Portland to continue to be, as Massachusetts newspaper editor Samuel Bowles wrote in the early 1870s, a city that "has the air and fact of a prosperous, energetic town with a good deal of eastern leadership and tone to business and society and morals."
Unfortunately, the framers were less clear on what the City Council shouldn't do, and for decades city leaders have focused on social engineering, planning and transit trinkets rather than their core responsibilities.
With one dissenting vote, the Portland City Council will in November ask voters to approve a $72 million bond measure to build a new fire station and acquire new fire vehicles and communications equipment. The council wants us to agree to increase our property taxes to fund a city service that has been a core responsibility of the city since its founding. At the same time, Mayor Sam Adams and city planners are busily spinning new tax-diverting urban renewal schemes to, once again, declare portions of downtown blighted and in need of redevelopment. That means fewer dollars for the core services, more dollars for the chosen developers.
Continue reading "How Portland is losing its way"
The framers of Portland's city charter had a pretty clear idea of what the city was supposed to do. They wanted it to provide police, fire, sewer and water services as well as streets and parks. They needed to provide those services in order for Portland to continue to be, as Massachusetts newspaper editor Samuel Bowles wrote in the early 1870s, a city that "has the air and fact of a prosperous, energetic town with a good deal of eastern leadership and tone to business and society and morals."
Unfortunately, the framers were less clear on what the City Council shouldn't do, and for decades city leaders have focused on social engineering, planning and transit trinkets rather than their core responsibilities.
With one dissenting vote, the Portland City Council will in November ask voters to approve a $72 million bond measure to build a new fire station and acquire new fire vehicles and communications equipment. The council wants us to agree to increase our property taxes to fund a city service that has been a core responsibility of the city since its founding. At the same time, Mayor Sam Adams and city planners are busily spinning new tax-diverting urban renewal schemes to, once again, declare portions of downtown blighted and in need of redevelopment. That means fewer dollars for the core services, more dollars for the chosen developers.
Continue reading "How Portland is losing its way"
Oregon Politico Launches GovDocs
How much does the government pay public employees? How much do various organizations and businesses spend on lobbying every year? TheOregonPolitico.com has just launched the GovDocs website, committed to providing public records in an easily accessible digital format. Head over and take it for a test drive.
Sec-of-State Kate Borwn: Her rules vs. Constitution
Oregon SOS Kate Brown: Her "rules" vs. Oregon Constitution
Special message from Bill Post,
1430 KYKN Salem
Bill's blog here.
Petition 50, the Redistricting Initiative that backers were hoping would be on the November ballot is in serious jeopardy right now. (Here is a story from back in April from the Oregonian that does a good job of explaining the initiative)
The initiative needed 110,358 signatures and election officials say that 125,948 were gathered. Sounds good right? Wrong. As of this writing, the Secretary of State's office has "disqualified" or thrown out, 12,975 signatures for various reasons.
Now you might think that Kate Brown's office has good reason and perhaps even Oregon Constitutional law behind her to do this, right? Wrong. The Oregon Constitution mandates that signatures be verified. There is a process for that. What the Constitution does NOT mandate is throwing signatures out! It is silent on that. So, what we have here is a politician, starting with Bill Bradbury and now continued with Kate Brown, changing the game so to speak. If her office does not want an initiative to hit the ballot, she throws out signatures and that's that.
Continue reading "Sec-of-State Kate Borwn: Her rules vs. Constitution"
Why is this man one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century?
Celebrate Freedom Event Trailer (Version 1) from Cascade Policy on Vimeo.
Find out on July 30. To RSVP, call Deanne at (503) 242-0900.Cascade Policy Institute is Oregon's free market public policy research organization.
GOP Chair Michael Steele on Afghanistan: Right or wrong?
Question of the week:
This month Republican Party National Committee Chair Michael Steele made headlines over his comments on the Afghanistan War calling it "a war of Obama's choosing "and later, "This is not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in." Steele further commented, "If he's such a student of history, has he not understood that, you know, that's the one thing you don't do is engage in a land war in Afghanistan? All right? Because everyone who's tried, over a thousand years of history, has failed," Steele said. "And there are reasons for that. There are other ways to engage in Afghanistan." Steele added to his remarks this week saying, "I am 1,000 percent for victory for our men and women in the service, We cannot leave them on the battlefield. This party stands with them. I stand with them. Period. No excuses. No exceptions."
Steele soon came under fire from fellow Republicans Sen. John McCain, Sen. Lindsey Graham and conservative columnist Bill Kristol who said it was error worthy of his removal. So it begs the question, is Michael Steele's comments a venting and bold talk on the Afghan war or did Michael Steele put his foot into his mouth.
Please comment.
This month Republican Party National Committee Chair Michael Steele made headlines over his comments on the Afghanistan War calling it "a war of Obama's choosing "and later, "This is not something the United States had actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in." Steele further commented, "If he's such a student of history, has he not understood that, you know, that's the one thing you don't do is engage in a land war in Afghanistan? All right? Because everyone who's tried, over a thousand years of history, has failed," Steele said. "And there are reasons for that. There are other ways to engage in Afghanistan." Steele added to his remarks this week saying, "I am 1,000 percent for victory for our men and women in the service, We cannot leave them on the battlefield. This party stands with them. I stand with them. Period. No excuses. No exceptions."
Steele soon came under fire from fellow Republicans Sen. John McCain, Sen. Lindsey Graham and conservative columnist Bill Kristol who said it was error worthy of his removal. So it begs the question, is Michael Steele's comments a venting and bold talk on the Afghan war or did Michael Steele put his foot into his mouth.
Please comment.
Representative Dennis Richardson: Oregon's Financial Status
I believe Oregon's future depends on an informed citizenry.
Today's newsletter focuses on Oregon's financial status. As we look forward to the 2011 Legislative Session, it is crucial to anticipate the fiscal challenges we face.
The seriousness of Oregon's financial situation becomes apparent when we consider the following:
1. Oregon Spending has grown 46% in two budgets. The "All Funds" revenues include funds from every source--general fund revenues, other taxes, fees, lottery revenue, debt, federal money, etc. In the past two budgets, Oregon's total "All Funds" budgets have increased 46%, from $41 billion to $60 billion. (Click Here.)
2. $1.6 Billion of "One-Time Money" used to balance current budget. The "General Fund" revenues include personal and corporate income taxes, tobacco, insurance, estate taxes and some revenues from liquor, fines & fees. To balance Oregon’s current 2009-11 General Fund & Lottery Fund (GF/LF) $14.4 billion, the Legislature cobbled together $1.6 billion in "one-time money," that will not be available to help balance the upcoming 2011-13 budget. (To see the source of the $1.6 billion, Click Here.)
Continue reading "Representative Dennis Richardson: Oregon's Financial Status"
Today's newsletter focuses on Oregon's financial status. As we look forward to the 2011 Legislative Session, it is crucial to anticipate the fiscal challenges we face.
The seriousness of Oregon's financial situation becomes apparent when we consider the following:
1. Oregon Spending has grown 46% in two budgets. The "All Funds" revenues include funds from every source--general fund revenues, other taxes, fees, lottery revenue, debt, federal money, etc. In the past two budgets, Oregon's total "All Funds" budgets have increased 46%, from $41 billion to $60 billion. (Click Here.)
2. $1.6 Billion of "One-Time Money" used to balance current budget. The "General Fund" revenues include personal and corporate income taxes, tobacco, insurance, estate taxes and some revenues from liquor, fines & fees. To balance Oregon’s current 2009-11 General Fund & Lottery Fund (GF/LF) $14.4 billion, the Legislature cobbled together $1.6 billion in "one-time money," that will not be available to help balance the upcoming 2011-13 budget. (To see the source of the $1.6 billion, Click Here.)
Continue reading "Representative Dennis Richardson: Oregon's Financial Status"
Green Investment Failure
By Rebecca Steele
Building “green” is all the rage in Portland. Eco-roofs and solar panels have become routine, and now the goal is for “net-zero” buildings that consume less energy or water than they produce.
However, while the idea is green, expect red. The City of Portland’s last attempt to promote net-zero construction ended in a subsidized spending spree.
In 2005, the Green Investment Fund was established as a competitive grant program, awarding money for five years to spur green building. Enormous government subsidies were required for most grantees. DaVinci Arts Middle School, the only project actually to achieve net-zero energy, was realized because of $500,000 in community-donated services. The June Key Delta House, a proposed net-zero community center, received over $400,000 in PDC grants and loans. The Blanchet House of Hospitality, also hoping for net-zero energy, is enabled by a PDC $2 million grant and land swap. Other subsidized Green Fund projects failed miserably. Construction never began on the million-dollar Shizen condominiums or the Kenton Living Building, both net-zero energy contenders.
Continue reading "Green Investment Failure"
Building “green” is all the rage in Portland. Eco-roofs and solar panels have become routine, and now the goal is for “net-zero” buildings that consume less energy or water than they produce.
However, while the idea is green, expect red. The City of Portland’s last attempt to promote net-zero construction ended in a subsidized spending spree.
In 2005, the Green Investment Fund was established as a competitive grant program, awarding money for five years to spur green building. Enormous government subsidies were required for most grantees. DaVinci Arts Middle School, the only project actually to achieve net-zero energy, was realized because of $500,000 in community-donated services. The June Key Delta House, a proposed net-zero community center, received over $400,000 in PDC grants and loans. The Blanchet House of Hospitality, also hoping for net-zero energy, is enabled by a PDC $2 million grant and land swap. Other subsidized Green Fund projects failed miserably. Construction never began on the million-dollar Shizen condominiums or the Kenton Living Building, both net-zero energy contenders.
Continue reading "Green Investment Failure"
Oregon suspending licenses
What business is it of Oregon to do a random sampling of who has auto insurance and then suspending licenses?
We did an exploration of a rather odd practice of the Department of Motor Vehicles in Oregon. They send out 52,000 of these surveys every year. They pick them at random.
They send them out and if you don’t send them back they send out a warning. If you don’t respond they will suspend your driver’s license.
Imagine all the reasons you might not respond. Maybe you don’t look through your junk mail well enough.
Continue reading "Oregon suspending licenses"
We did an exploration of a rather odd practice of the Department of Motor Vehicles in Oregon. They send out 52,000 of these surveys every year. They pick them at random.
They send them out and if you don’t send them back they send out a warning. If you don’t respond they will suspend your driver’s license.
Imagine all the reasons you might not respond. Maybe you don’t look through your junk mail well enough.
Continue reading "Oregon suspending licenses"
Oregon Republicans Ramp Up Campaigning with "2010 Victory Program"
Oregon Republican Party Press Release
ORP Victory 2010 Super Saturday Campaign Launch Successful!
“On Saturday July 10th, Oregon Republican volunteers visited over 10,000 doors and made more than 6,000 telephone calls during the official launch of the 2010 ‘Victory Program’, a statewide Republican Party advocacy program, smashing through previous records for this kind of campaign outreach,” Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bob Tiernan said today.
“Our 2010 Victory Program is off to a spectacular start. Twenty-two partnering Republican Candidates for all offices met in seventeen locations statewide with over 150 volunteers to meet Oregonians at the doorstep and on the phone to prepare for the coming Republican Victory in the fall elections,” Chairman Tiernan said.
A highpoint of Saturday’s kickoff was a congratulatory telephone call to volunteers at the Hillsboro campaign office by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), who thanked them for turning out in large numbers to break campaign records for walking and phoning Oregon voters.
Oregon Republicans who would like to join in future Victory 2010 events can learn more at the Oregon Republican Party website: www.oregonrepublicanparty.org.
ORP Victory 2010 Super Saturday Campaign Launch Successful!
“On Saturday July 10th, Oregon Republican volunteers visited over 10,000 doors and made more than 6,000 telephone calls during the official launch of the 2010 ‘Victory Program’, a statewide Republican Party advocacy program, smashing through previous records for this kind of campaign outreach,” Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bob Tiernan said today.
“Our 2010 Victory Program is off to a spectacular start. Twenty-two partnering Republican Candidates for all offices met in seventeen locations statewide with over 150 volunteers to meet Oregonians at the doorstep and on the phone to prepare for the coming Republican Victory in the fall elections,” Chairman Tiernan said.
A highpoint of Saturday’s kickoff was a congratulatory telephone call to volunteers at the Hillsboro campaign office by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), who thanked them for turning out in large numbers to break campaign records for walking and phoning Oregon voters.
Oregon Republicans who would like to join in future Victory 2010 events can learn more at the Oregon Republican Party website: www.oregonrepublicanparty.org.
